Nearly 600 job seekers and several small business owners across the region gained new skills, jobs and funding in the past year, thanks to the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council.

From helping youth earn their GEDs to providing microgrants for minority-owned businesses, BFWDC continues to play a central role in strengthening the region’s workforce and economy.

Cynthia Garcia

“We want to continue expanding outreach and awareness so that even more individuals take advantage of the valuable services and opportunities available to them – at no cost,” said Cynthia Garcia, BFWDC’s executive director, in an email to the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business.

Headed by a 23-member board representing several different sectors, BFWDC manages over $5.8 million in grants, including federal and state funding.

“By uniting local businesses, educators and community organizations, we align training programs with real-world job market needs – empowering residents, enhancing skills and creating meaningful opportunities that fuel long-term regional growth,” Garcia said.

BFWDC supports WorkSource Columbia Basin – the region’s One-Stop Center offering free employment and training services for adults and businesses – and TC Futures, a program that helps young people complete their education and find career pathways. 

Together, the programs serve as a “vital hub for regional workforce development, connecting people, businesses, and community partners to build a stronger local economy,” Garcia said.

For those seeking employment, WorkSource and TC Futures offer workshops, resume assistance, job fairs, mock interviews, access to technology, career planning and more.

Employers can get recruitment assistance, worker retaining resources, labor market data and forecasts and access to hiring events.

Programs for jobseekers

TC Futures, operated in partnership by BFWDC, Educational Service District 123 and Career Path Services, helps young adults ages 16-24 complete their GEDs, gain work experience and launch career paths.

In the 2024 program year, which ran from July 2024 to June 2025, the program served 216 youth job seekers. Of those, 90 found jobs, 20 enrolled in colleges, and 47 participated in work-based learning. Thirteen students earned their GED and another 36 are working toward that goal.

WorkSource Columbia Basin served 218 adults last year, helping 100 secure employment and 74 receive job training.

The program also supported 146 dislocated workers, with 72 finding new jobs and 47 completing training programs.

To make its services more accessible, WorkSource, in partnership with BFWDC, opened two new “connection sites” this year, one at the nonprofit Grace Collective, and one at the Benton City branch of the Mid-Columbia Libraries. These satellite sites provide easier access to job listings, technology and personalized career support for residents who may find it difficult to reach the main office.

Community Reinvestment Program

BFWDC’s Community Reinvestment Program has become a lifeline for small businesses, especially those owned by Black, Latine and tribal entrepreneurs, by helping them stay competitive and grow in challenging economic times.

Locally, the program distributed $1.58 million in incentives to 218 participants, $239,068 in microgrants to 54 businesses, and $169,659 in business services to 29 businesses over the past year.

BFWDC’s annual report highlighted the stories of several businesses impacted by the funding.

Paris Beauty Salon received $3,240 for a new computer and a year of QuickBooks service and training to help the salon upgrade its bookkeeping and operational capabilities.

“This enabled the owner to efficiently manage finances and improved the overall operational efficiency of the salon,” the report said.

Other recipients included Hello Habanero, Al’s Automotive Repair, Legacy Barbershop & Academy and Aub’s Lounge.

Looking ahead

BFWDC’s path forward is guided by four strategic goals set for 2024-28, focusing on supporting business development and competitiveness; improving access opportunities for youth as well as for adults; and strengthening collaboration with partners to meet the workforce needs of the community.

BFWDC is also forming a Workforce Needs Committee to identify and address the workforce needs of the region and is currently seeking participants. The committee will help find workforce gaps; engage employers, educators and community partners; and recommend strategic actions to BFWDC’s board for implementation.

Those interested in joining the committee can contact Garcia at [email protected].